Vail Valley: Weaving derails meth motorist

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EAGLE - If you weave as you drive down the interstate and find yourself in the embrace of the long arm of the law, then throw drugs and guns out the window with the police watching, you'll be charged with more than littering.

Young people, let this be a lesson to you.

Michael Aguayo, 22, was a guest in the Eagle County Crossbar Hotel, but this week came under the tender care of Federal Marshalls.

The tale goes like this.

It was Dec. 4, 2012, when Eagle County Sheriff's deputy saw a slow-moving vehicle weaving like a congressman dodging a sequester question. The car was headed west along Interstate 70, between Wolcott and Eagle.

When the deputy cranked up the lights and tried to pull the car over, the driver weaved completely off the right side of the highway.

The deputy, a professionally trained observer of the human condition, motored along behind the pokey vehicle as the driver rolled down the passenger side window - remember this was December - and threw stuff out.

The deputy took note of the projectiles and their location, and then walked up to the car to discuss with Aguayo matters including stewardship of the environment and how we shouldn't throw stuff into it.

After explaining to Aguayo that while he might consider himself a bird, he was actually more of a penguin or ostrich - flightless - because flight was not going to be among his options, especially since the handcuffs would make it difficult to flap his wings and soar to freedom.

After a quick look around the car, the deputy turned up two socks containing approximately 1,200 grams (3 pounds) of methamphetamine, as well as a loaded Ruger 9mm semi automatic handgun.

Aguayo was found to be under the influence of methamphetamine. He was driving from Kansas City to his home in Oxnard, Calif.

Aguayo was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, a Class 2 felony; possession of a weapon by a previously convicted felon, a Class 6 felony); driving under the influence of drugs; and weaving.

Law enforcement officers are a cooperative lot, and while Aguayo was a guest in the Eagle County Crossbar Hotel, the Eagle County Sheriff's office contacted the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

The ATF's attention was piqued immediately, because of the large quantity of drugs and the weapon, plus Aguayo's previous felony conviction for drugs.

A U.S. Attorney presented the case to a Federal Grand Jury and Aguayo was indicted on federal drug and firearm violations. Last week, Aguayo, who was headed west, was hauled back to Denver by the U.S. Marshal Service for federal prosecution in Denver U.S. District Court.